Long stretches of pristine beaches draw Romans to the village today. But it can get crowded - immensely crowded (although to be fair, this pic was taken during Carnevale). Caprera Island, in the Maddalena archipelago, is the final resting place of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian revolutionary, and history buffs will appreciate a visit tohis tomb(though the body was exhumed in 2012 for DNA analysis). Italy's East Coast | Martha's Italy Take the cable car down for a swim near Isola Bella, a tiny island that doubles as a nature reserve and is connected to the mainland by a strip of sand. For one thing, you will find here one of the longest sandy beaches in Italy. 10 Most Beautiful Coastlines in Italy | The Mediterranean Traveller Not only is Tropea one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, but its also a top-rated destination for a summer holiday because of its two fantasticbeaches. Cagliari offers Roman remains, appealing beaches and golden domes. Situated in the Bay of Naples, along a huge coastline is the charming town of Capri. Italy's Adriatic Coast. - Explore Italian Culture Large detailed map of Adriatic Sea with cities and towns. Atrani is often referred to as the best-kept secret of the Amalfi Coast, tucked between two cliffs and frequently forgotten on tours of the area as a result. Oh wow I want to visit them all!! Cant wait to get to Italy to check some of these out. SUMMER:The summer months of July and August see higher temperatures and visitor numbers reach their peak. There are boat trips around the coastline of Ortigia taking in Castello Maniace at the furthest tip of the city and sea caves along the mainland coast. Its made up of the same pastel-coloured houses youll find in most of the coastal towns in this area and is the starting point of the Sentiero Azzurrowalkingtrail that links together Cinque Terres villages. Home > Blog > The 15 Best Coastal Towns in Italy. Positano has many winding paths and steep staircases. Wedged between mountains and coastline, just an hour's drive east of Palermo, the idyllic town of Cefal in Sicily is tiny but popularespecially among sun-seekers from other parts of Italy. Molise Region Map with Towns and Travel Guide, Central Italy - TripSavvy For those who want to keep fit, there are volleyball, basketball and tennis courts. The lesser known canals. Amalfi may be more famous, butRavellotops itliterally. Manarola is one of the oldest towns in the Cinque Terre, and arguably one of the most beautiful. Depends on how old you are if you like Rimini. It stretches right down the eastern side of the country, from Trieste and the Gulf of Venice in the north to the Capo d'Otranto in Puglia at the south-eastern tip. It's known as "Little Venice" because well We're a bit biased about Le Marche. Positano has been on my list for a while now, I think it is finally time to book a trip! All text and images on this site are subject to copyright. Gaeta is a non international tourist area mainly because it does not have a train station nearby. At first glance, Levanto seems like a typical seaside town, but what makes it special is that its home to the Ciclopedonale Maremonti, a stunning cycling and walking path that was put down over an old railway line and connects Levanto to nearby Bonassola and Framura. Some of the sights of Manarola youll want to check out include the harbor and the Church of San Lorenzo. listeners: [], The diversity of the attractions in Naples and its region means that there is something for everyone. There are nearby ruins of another similar structure that date all the way back to the 4thcentury BC. One of the local specialties is tiella, a rice dish that's made with potatoes and mussels. A cable car takes beachgoers down to sea level, where a few beaches can be enjoyed. Polignano a mare is a stunning coastal town in Puglia and an easy day trip from Bari. There are plenty of myths and legends surrounding Ponza, which range from claims that it is the remains of the lost island of Tyrrhenia to the belief that the ancient titan sorceress Circe used to live here. SOUTH: It consists of the entirety of the Italian Peninsula and the two Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia (the two biggest islands of the Mediterranean), in addition to many smaller islands. Its often bypassed en route to the larger and more famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento, and this is a good thingyoull almost always have its beautiful churches, piazzas and charming trattorias (we love AParanza for its fresh seafood and smoked mozzarella) all to yourself. The Molise's many rivers flow from the Apennines to the Adriatic, while the Volturno flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea after crossing the region of Campania. Rent a boat with Amalfi Boats and cruise down the sea to Positano for incredible sights during golden hour. Ancona The large port city of Ancona is almost 2100 years old. Which makes it one of the best areas in the whole of Italy to see field upon field of sunflowers. And because we're friends, we'll share its secrets with you. There's also Amalfi with its 9th century Duomo, as well as nearby Atrami, where citrus terraces, flower-filled gardens and old buildings climb uphill from the sands. ALGHERO: Located on the Northwest coastal of the Italian island of Sardinia, 9. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED REGARDLESS OF LINKS OR ATTRIBUTIONS. If you grow tired of sunbathing you can pay a visit to the Museo Archeologico di Sperlonga, which was built from the ruins of the ancient Roman emperor Tiberius old holiday villa and is full of historical artefacts. How long: 1 weekend Must see: Miramare Castle: a beautiful castle overlooking the sea and offering amazing views Unit d'Italia Square: it is the largest square in Europe that directly overlooks the sea. Sorrento is one of the most famous coastal towns in Italy and is a very popular part of the country to visit if youre looking for a classic experience of an Italian seaside town. The other popular beach to visit is Cala Bianca which won the title of the most beautiful beach of Italy in 2013. If you are visitingSicily with kids, ensure you visit the puppet theatre where children get front row seats expect knights, monsters, and lots of bloodshed its brilliant fun for the whole family! Ready to summer like a local? Located an hour and twenty minutes by train from Bologna, this is perfect for a day by the beach or for a long weekend getaway. Its been a favoured spot for the rich and glamorous since the 1950s and remains quite a star-studded holiday destination that is perfect for trips with a luxurious touch. Click on any of the links below if you have an interest in that particular area to go straight to that section. Manarola is a charming part of this length of the Italian coast that attracts thousands of visitors every year and is the ideal place for a peaceful, picturesque holiday. } It offers it all! This post was originally published in 2014. For some reason Ive never visited the coast! By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. The islands, along with the islets sprinkled around them, were formed by volcanic eruptions, and two of them, Vulcano and Stromboli, are still volcanically active. The surrounding cliffs offer dramatic surrounding scenery and there are plenty of interesting attractions to discover throughout your stay, particularly in the Old Town. Italy is now an expensive destination for tourists but worth it if you have the cash, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Its also home to many medieval relics backing up its claim to be the oldest of the 5 towns of Cinque Terre. })(); I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences especially if it involves active and adventure travel! The small town has a population of 800 and is known by locals as the hidden beauty of Neverland, with its houses scattered along the steep ridge. SYRACUSE: A fascinating Italian coastal town located in Eastern Sicily, 11. I havent seen much of the Italian coastline yet, apart from the Cilento Coast which was stunning. To digest the street food, take yourself on a walk through the old town and visit some of the most beautiful churches you will ever see. Loreto | Italy | Britannica Your post has made me want to book another trip to Italy! Nestled in a sheltered bay, the beach of San Vito lo Capo in Sicilys northwest is known for its crystalline waters and white sand. GAETA: A quiet Italian Coastal Town located in the Lazio region of Italy, 17. Voted the Italian capital of culture for 2022, Procida is a small island that lies between Ischia and Capri. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Grab your suit and towel and swap the sticky city for a beachy breeze. The city is walkable and easily visited in one day, though if you have a few days make slow down and enjoy everything the city has to offer. Renting a car is one of the best ways to get to this area. Travel smarter and safer You can do your quick quote below and find out how little you can pay for the essential benefit of Travel Insurance for your next trip! Blink and you could miss this tiny town in the heart of the Maremma, but if you want to get back to nature, its the perfect place to go. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular. Called the "red city" because of the use of red bricks in its architecture and for its leftist politics, the city is one of the richest and oldest in Italy and it's also home to one of the oldest universities. If there is only time for a weekend, Naples is a great place to spend a city break which allows enough time to discover the main attractions. 22 Gorgeous Seaside Towns in Italy - Fodors Travel Guide In Cefal, youll find a lively nightlife scene and plenty of brilliant restaurants as well as several glorious beaches that are ideal for long, lazy days soaking up the sun. Getting to and Getting Around Rimini Its the perfect place to add to yourItaly itineraryto escape the crowds and take in peaceful views of the rugged shoreline. "La Serenissima" is one of the most well-visited areas of Italy. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The Etruscans first colonized Ponza, which may be the last remnants of the lost island of Tyrrhenia, and archeologists have found the ruins of sunken Roman temples nearby. POSITANO: The local's most popular Italian Coastal town HOW TO GET THERE: Positano is an easy day trip from Naples and Sorrento. 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Located about halfway between Rome and Naples lies the charming town of Sperlonga, once home to Emperor Tiberius. Linking land and sea together are ancient mediaeval villages and little hilltop towns such as you might see in your dreams. It is located about two hours from Rome and about two hours from Naples. Amalfi Boats has reasonable prices and includes a captain who will take you to the best spots. Related: How to Decipher the English Menu Translations While Traveling in Italy. Expect crisp fall leaves and some sunnier days, but plan for wet weather too. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. The old town has all the charm of a historic Italian village, with pale yellow and orange buildings, narrow streets, and piazzas where visitors gather for a drink or meal. The Best Italian Coastal Towns to Reach by Train 2023 | Trainline If architecture is your thing, be sure to visit the Norman Palace which is the most well-known Arab-Norman architecture located in Palermo. Over the course of its history, Otranto came under the rule of the Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Ottomans, and Napoleons troops. Genoa is also home to some great museums such as the Museo dArte Orientale, the Maritime Museum, and the aquarium. Exploring the Adriatic Coast: Living in and Visiting the Most Beautiful! I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Which makes the Adriatic coast a great place to visit if you want to see some of the least crowded places in the country! Numanas city hall was once the Bishops palace and now hosts exhibitions. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The island's town of the same name is the launching point to explore the whole island, best experienced by following the extensive hiking trails as they pass through fertile agricultural plains, and gently climb towards peaks that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Go for a hike to Anacapri, take a chairlift to Mount Solaro, and admire the Augustus Gardens that overlook those iconic Faraglioni formations over the sea. With a history that dates back centuries, it boasts of the some of the most fabulous beaches, fascinating mountains, countless sandstone cliffs overlooking the seas, and picturesque towns - the coast is a dream come true for every kind of a traveller. Or you choose to splurge and rent a beach chair and a sun umbrella for the day. It is one of the most famous seaside resorts in Europe, thanks to its 9 mile long sandy beach, with over 1,000 hotels, and thousands of bars, restaurants and discos. GENOA: One of the most beautiful coastal towns at the Ligurian Sea, 5. 9 Adventurous Places in Adriatic Coast You Must Try Another cute Italian coastal town, Ravello is located on a cliff top. 3. Rimini Rimini is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It encompasses some of the most spectacularly beautiful scenery. I've visited many of these places in the past. Close to the bridge is an incredible beach, hidden between the cliffs, Lama Monachile. World Nomads Travel Insurancehas been designed by travelers for travelers, to cover their trip essentials. The town is the final resting place of Caravaggio, who died there on his way back to Rome to receive a pardon after being exiled. Ahh, Im in love with all of these towns! We did say we'd show you the not-very-well-known parts of the Adriatic coast, though. There are boat rentals, hiking trails, and bike rentals also available in this area. This is part of the Adriatic coastline most people have never heard of. The Gargano peninsula is our very favourite spot in the whole of Puglia. Despite this, there are plenty ofthings to do in Porto Venereand you could gladly spend more than a couple of days there. Exploring Italy's Adriatic coast: 5 of the prettiest towns you've The 15 Best Coastal Towns in Italy | Italy4Real Best places to visit on the Italian Adriatic Coast The island ofCapriwas once the vacation spot of Roman emperors and derives its name from the herds of goats (caprain Italian) that once inhabited it. Last, but not least on this amazing list of the best Italian coastal towns is the coastal town of Cesenatico. Circes caveGrotta della Maga Circecan be found on the western side of the island, between Capo Bianco and Chiaia di Luna beach. Thanks for reading Linda Oh Porto Vernere is absolutely amazing! Theyre so gorgeous! Find out more, here. Known during ancient times as Humana, the town later became an episcopal see. We do not sell any personal information from this website. You may know Elba Island as the former home of exiled Napoleon Bonaparte (his summer house, Villa San Martino, is currently open to the public), but the site also happens to be one of the least-touristed Italian islandsfor now. The town is best known for its historic centre which is perched right at the top of a steep hill on a cliff overlooking the ocean, but is also making a name for itself as an excellent destination for classic Italian seafood dishes and ice cream. Really, they have a good reason to nickname it Golfo Paradiso. Things to do apart from the obvious. I so love the idea of spending time in these beautiful coastal towns. A museum constructed on the former villa of Tiberius displays sculptures celebrating the deeds of Odysseus, which were discovered in the grotto for which the town is named. 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